The Husky Pitbull mix is a medium-sized cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pitbull also known as a Pitsky. This mixed dog breed has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and weighs between 40 and 80 pounds. The Pitsky mix dog has a loyal and loveable personality that can often be misunderstood.
Pitbulls are often depicted as ferocious dogs while Huskies are compared to wolf-dogs due to the Spitz dog appearance.
The Pitbull is often misunderstood, but in reality, the Pitbull is very affectionate, extremely loyal, highly obedient and one of the friendliest dogs on the planet. On the other hand, Huskies are loyal and friendly companions.
A cross between a Pitbull and a Siberian Husky creates an interesting mix known for being affectionate, friendly, and caring.
Do you think Pitsky is the right dog for you? Stick around to learn more about him.
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About the Pitbull Husky Mix
The Husky Pitbull Mix, commonly known as the Pitsky is a medium to large-sized crossbreed. The Pitsky is a result of crossbreeding an American Pitbull Terrier and Alaskan or Siberian Husky.
This breed has a fun and loving personality and has a lifespan of 12-15 years.
The Pitsky is known for being active, intelligent, and affectionate just like his parent breeds. He is also a good guarding dog and excels in activities such as hunting, sledding, and racing.
Pitskies require experienced and active dog owners to ensure they are at their best, however, they can be stubborn which makes training them a challenge.
Being a very active dog, he would need a large yard to play and get sustainable exercise as required.
They can vary greatly in size and may weigh between 30 t0 70 pounds and stand between 19 and 21 inches.
American Pitbull Terrier brief overview
The Pitbull Terrier is a medium-sized, intelligent, and short-haired dog whose ancestors come from the British Isles.
This breed was created in the early 19 century in England for the sports of bulls and bear-baiting which was made illegal in 1835.
However, the dogfighting took over after this which made this dog aggressive towards other dogs. He was also bred to be super friendly and non-aggressive towards humans.
After being moved to the US, the dogs were primarily used for hunting, as companions, and as guard dogs in farms.
These dogs thus evolved into great farm dogs and great companions that were especially good with children hence the name nanny dog.
AKC renamed the dog to keep him past his aggressive history. They named him the American Staffordshire Terrier and don’t recognize the American Pitbull Terrier.
The American Staffordshire Terrier was bred to be a show dog and for confirmation hence he has slight differences with the American Pitbull Terrier.
Other popular Pitbull mixes
- The Pitbull Labrador mix is a cross between an American Pitbull Terrier and a Labrador Retriever.
- Pitbull and Dachshund mix is a mixed breed dog of medium size.
- Beagle Bull is a Pitbull Beagle Mix that shows off the natural friendliness of beagles combined with the Pitbull’s protective nature.
- Bull Pistiff is a cross between pitbull and a Bullmastiff.
Siberian Husky brief overview
Huskies are the descendants of an extinct breed known as Taymyr Wolf that was found in North Asia.
The Siberian Husky dates back to about 8000 years ago from the Siberian Arctic and is today classified as a Nordic Sled dog by the FCI.
They were bred to help their human companions with pulling heavy sleds over long distances which made them enduring and strong.
Huskies have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years and can weigh 60 pounds for the males and 50 pounds females.
The Alaskan Husky brief overview
The Alaskan Husky resulted from mixing the Siberian Husky with other dogs that include;
- Mackenzie River Husky
- Alaskan Malamute
- Hounds – specifically the German Shepherd Pointer
This dog was bred for strength and athleticism rather than companionship.
Breeders just selected the best qualities that they required in a dog. Some of the Alaskan Huskies were bred for speed, efficiency over long-distances, while some were bred to carry heavy loads.
This means that Alaskan Huskies can vary in size and appearance.
They share similar qualities to the Siberian Husky despite their differences in appearance.
Alaskan Huskies require an active environment as they tend to get bored easily due to their working history. They require plenty of playtime and long walks as well as brain stimulation.
Other Husky mixes
- Beasky is the combination of a Husky and a Beagle.
- Husky mixed with the Bulldog gives us the Busky.
- Bullsky is a mixture of Husky and Bull-mastiff.
- The Gerberian Shepsky is a blend between two incredible dog breeds, the German Shepherd and a Husky
Pitsky Pros and cons
Pros:
✓ Great with children.
✔ Good guard dog abilities.
✓ Is a great exercise mate.
Cons:
✗ Can be stubborn.
✘ Very vocal.
✗ Destructive when bored.
✘ Very high exercise requirements.
4 Husky Pit mix fun facts
- This dog was first seen in the 1990s.
- These mixes are best suited for cold climate areas.
- They are known to be stubborn due to the independent nature which makes training them a challenge.
- Pitskies are active dogs that are great at swimming.
General characteristics of the Pitsky
Husky Pitbull Mix Summary Table | |
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Height | 19 to 25 inches |
Weight | 40 to 80 |
Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
Breed Type | mixes and more |
Purpose | Companion and working dog |
Suitable For | Active families. |
Color Variations | Brown, Tan, Grey, Black, Brindle |
Health concerns | Hyperthyroidism, Canine Allergies, and Hip Dysplasia |
Temperament | High energy, Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent, Stubborn, Loving, and Friendly |
Other Names | Pitsky |
Height and weight
The Pitsky mix is a medium-sized that weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and stands between 19 and 25 inches tall.
Physical appearance
This dog can come in a variety of shapes depending on the parent he takes more after whether it is a Pitbull or Husky.
No one can guarantee the outcome that this crossbreed is going to have.
However, you can expect this Pitbull mix to have a muscular body with slightly long well-muscled legs. He can also have upright ears like those of a Husky or slightly dropping ears like a Pit Bull.
This crossbreed also tends to have striking blue eyes but he can also have brown eyes or different colored eyes (heterochromia).
The color of the nose can also between red, blue but black is the most common nose color.
Coat appearance and Colors
The Husky mix can have a short to thick coat single or double coat, and depending on the coat type he inherits, he will shed slightly to moderately throughout the years.
Colors can also vary but the most common colors are;
Brown | Black | White |
Fawn | Gray | Brindle |
Tan and brown | Brown and white | Black and white |
Blue | Red | Fawn |
Pitbull Husky Mix Personality and Temperament
The Husky Pitbull is an adventurous and fun-loving dog that loves being outdoors hiking, playing in the snow, going to runs, and dog parks.
However, they are independent thinkers, and recalling them will prove to be a challenge for any dog owner. Therefore, any time you are outdoors, you should make sure that he always on a leash.
You can use our leash training guide to get some Pitsky leash training tips.
So, as you have seen this crossbreed will be best suited for active families and individuals.
They are also alert and protective which makes them exceptional guard dogs but can also be standoffish around strangers.
It is important that you consistently and properly socialize this dog from an early age.
This Husky Pitbull mix is also known to be vocal and tends to howls and bark a lot, especially when he is bored or left alone for extended periods. They are also known to suffer from separation anxiety.
These dogs will also be super destructive chewing on things and digging to a great extent when left alone.
Are Pitskies good family dogs?
The Pitbull Husky mix is a needy but wonderful family dog that is known to be gentle and playful with children.
However, he may not always get along with other dogs, especially of the same sex.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Pitsky live?
Pitskies have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.
How big does a Pitsky get?
A fully grown Pitsky can weigh anywhere between 40 and 80 pounds and have a height of anywhere between 19 and 25 inches. Males will generally larger than females.
How much is a Pitsky worth?
For Pitsky puppies, you should expect to pay anywhere between $500-$2000 depending on your location, breeder, and pedigrees of the parent breeds.
Pitbull Husky Mix Puppies
Litter size:
3 to 8 puppies.
These puppies are known to take between 15 and 24 months to reach full maturity.
What to know before buying:
Apart from the initial cost of acquiring the puppy which is around $1200 on average, there are other care expenses that you may incur that may amount to about $1000 annually.
The cost of care can vary from one dog to another depending on the dog’s health, size, coat type, and other factors.
You will also want to ensure that you get your puppy from a reputable breeder for the healthiest puppies.
The puppy should not be taken away from the breeder before they reach the age of at least 8 weeks. After taking the puppy from the breeder, you may need to transition his diet and this may take about 6 weeks for the full transition periods.
The puppy will also need a name and you can use any of these dog names guides to help you choose a name for your Pitsky puppy:
How to take care of a Husky Pitbull Mix
1. Groom requirements
The grooming requirements may vary depending on the coat type this dog inherits from either of his parent breeds.
Husky Pitbull mixes with short coats will need to be brushed once or twice every week but Pitskies with longer and thicker coats will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week.
You can use a hand mint glove to brush a short-coated Pitsky and a slicker brush for a double-coated Pitsky.
Both of these brushes should be able to do a good job of getting rid of loose hair from the coat and thus minimizing shedding. Brushing will also evenly distribute coat oils for a shinier and healthier coat.
After brushing you can then spray the dog with a conditioning spray to restore its sheen.
Bathing a Pitbull Husky mix
These crossbreed dogs will need to be bathed once every 6 weeks or when it is completely necessary.
You will need a quality doggie shampoo and conditioner to get the job done. The conditioner will help to reverse some of the damage that the shampoo does to the coat oils and also strengthen the fur.
Overbathing this dog will strip essential oils from his coat and cause his skin to dry. This is mainly because of the shampoo which in the process of cleaning grease and dirt from the coat also gets rid of these oils.
However, if your Pitsky gets smelly or dusty between the planned bathing periods, you can use baby wipes to get rid of dirt from the coat.
You can also use a clean and damp cloth or towel to gently wipe the coat and leave the dog cleaner.
Note: You should never use human shampoo on this dog and also when bathing him always use lukewarm water.
Pitsky care requirements
The ears, teeth, paw pads, anal glands, and eyes will also need to be taken care of.
For the ears, you will need to check them regularly for any signs of infections and also clean them using cotton balls and an ear cleaning solution.
You should only clean the outer flab area and avoid going too deep as you can do some serious damage.
Clipping the nails and trimming the hair between the paw pads is also important. You also make sure that there is no debris or dirt between the paw pads.
For the Pitsky’s dental care, you can brush the teeth using a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste several times a week.
Brushing will get rid of plaque and tartar thus reducing the risk of periodontal diseases. You can also use dental treats, chews, and sticks to strengthen the teeth and also clean them too.
Tear stains are also common in Husky Pitbull mixes.
These tear stain can be cleaned using eye wipes or baking soda which cleans them without doing any damage to the coat.
If you are not comfortable with any of the processes above, you should let a groomer do it for you.
2. Feeding requirements
These are active dogs that will require you to feed them on a high-quality diet that can keep up with their energy.
The diet should have meat-based protein from high-quality sources such as chicken as the main ingredient.
Proteins should make up at least 20% of the diet.
The Pitbull Husky Mix needs this to help them guarantee that their muscles are very well built.
There should also be about 7% fats in the diet from vegetable and fish oils sources that are essential for the provision of energy and keeping the nose, paws, and skin supple.
You will need to check the ingredients and avoid foods that have;
- Artificial fillers.
- Too many grains.
- Artificial additive and coloring.
- Proteins from meat by-products.
Some of these ingredients are notorious for causing allergies in dogs and can also upset the Pitsky’s stomach.
Healthy raw dog treats from ingredients such as liver will also be highly beneficial during training. They will need to be cut into small clean pieces and put in a clean treat bag that you can use during training.
Also, before giving your Pitbull Husky mix any supplements, make sure that you visit your vet to ensure that they will be safe for the dog.
How much should you feed a Pitsky?
The amount of food you give to this crossbreed will vary depending on the following factors;
- Activity rate.
- Size.
- Energy levels.
But as a general rule of thumb, this mix will need about 30 calories for every pound that he weight. So, if your Pitsky weighs 50 pounds, he will need about 1500 calories give or take also depending on the other factors.
Pitsky Daily Food Consumption | |
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Guide | 900 to 1800 calories |
Cups of Kibble | 3 to 4 |
The meals should be divided into 2 or 3 portions to reduce the risk of bloat that is common in these dogs.
3. Pitsky Exercise needs
This is a high-energy and active mix that will require at least 60 minutes of daily mental and physical stimulation.
Exercise will keep this dog from getting bored and destructive and will also help prevent obesity which in itself can also cause other health complications such as heart diseases.
You can exercise your Pitsky by taking him for daily walks, going for a jog, taking him for a swim, hiking, agility training, playing frisbee and even doing indoor exercise.
Here are some great tips on how you can exercise your Husky Pitbull mix indoors.
Set up a great exercise routing for both you and your crossbreed and make sure you follow it.
Number of walks | 2 (30 minutes each) |
Exercise needs | 60 to 90 minutes |
3. Training
It is important to start training for your Pitbull Husky mix as early as possible. This is because he is known for having a stubborn streak that may make training him difficult.
But with patience and consistency, you should be able to accomplish a lot as far as training your Pitsky is concerned.
From potty training to basic obedience training should all be part of your routine and schedule.
Use positive reinforcement training coupled with a lot of rewards for the best results. You should not use any aversive training methods such as punishment or shouting at this dog.
Pitbull Husky mix Health
This crossbreed may have very strong parents but that does not mean that it is exempted from having health issues.
Pitsky is also prone to several health conditions just like its parent breeds.
Some of the health concerns include the following;
Pitsky Health concerns | |
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Major Concerns
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Occasional Diagnoses
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Minor Concerns
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Occasional Tests
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Summary
The Pitsky is a playful, affectionate loving, and gentle dog that loves people.
The Pitbull Husky Mix is always in high spirits and has very high energy, is energetic and extremely enthusiastic.
They are well suited for an active family environment and at their best when they are taken out for adventures such as hiking but would be required to be on a leash at all times due to their non-existence recall nature.
Positive reinforcement and rewards-based training allow for easier and successful training as they are very intelligent dogs. Pitskies need to be socialized at an early age to be at their best when they hit adulthood.
They are known for their escape antics as they tend to inherit bad recall traits from their Husky parent breed. They are mostly used to running free in the wild hence need to be on a leash when outdoors.
Are you a dog lover thinking about owning one of these dogs? Or do you have more questions? Feel free to comment below.
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